Toy



Oct. 3i), 1962 M. l. GLAss ETAL TOY Filed Nov. 9, 1961 .eral typereferred to above. objects of the invention is the provision of a toy orgame Filed Nov. 9, 1961, Ser. No.

Claims. (Cl. 273-110) The invention relates to toys or games, and moreparticularly, to a toy or game which is competitively operable by a pairof opposing players or contestants. Still more particularly, theinvention relates to toys or games in which the travel of a ball, orother object, is controllable by the players and in which the game iswon by vthe scoring of one or more goals, depending upon the rules whichare used.

One of the principal objects of the inventionl is to provide a no-vel,competitively operable game of the gen- Another of the principalinvolving movable members which are independently operable byopposingvplayers to control the travel of an v object, such as, forexample, a ball, during the play of Athe game. ,vision of a game whichincorporates various of the above Another object of the invention is thepromentioned features, ywhich is simple and inexpensive to imanufacture, and which will provide -many long hours of -entertainingactivity over a longperiod of time.

- vOther objects and advantages of the invention will become known byreference to the following description and accompanying drawings of oneembodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a partially broken away and sectioned plan view of a toy orgame embodying various of the features of the disclosed invention; and

FIGURE 2 is a sectional View taken along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1.

As shown in the drawings, the disclosed game cornprises a pair ofopposed members or boards 21 which are pivotally mounted on suitablesupporting means ,23

`and are independently manipulatable in opposition to each other toscore a goal by controlling the travel of a freely moving ball 25relative to the boards 21. More particularly, the boards each include areceptacle 27 in j which the ball 25 is receivable to score a goal andare mounted to afford independent and selective pivotal movement thereofabout a rst common axis and about j separate, respectively associatedsecond axes extending transversely of the common axis. The gamealsoincorporates separate suitable means 29 operable by the opposingcontestants to independently and selectively manipulate the boards 21either about the common axis or about the respectively lassociatedsecond axes extending transversely of the common axis.

, Considering 'the construction of the disclosed game in greater detail,the support means 23 can be for-med in various shapes and, in thedisclosed construction, constitutes a ring 31 whichy is strengthened bythe incorporation of an inner horizontally extending flange 33 andaninverted, generally T-shaped, diametric `rib 35. As shown in FIGURE 1,the cross bar 37 disposed at the bottom of the'inverted T-shaped rib 35is interrupted at the central part thereof to facilitate molding of Ithering as a single piece. Extending radially from the ring 31 in diametricopposition to each other are a pair of control j boxes 39 respectivelyhousing certain components of the separate means 29 for operably`manipulating the boards Desirably, the ring 31 extends above the normallevel of the boards21 so as to provide a skirt which assists inretainingnthe ball 25 on the boards 21 and is covered United StatesPatent 3,061,312 Patented Oct. 30., 1962 .with a transparent dome orshell 41 which prevents loss of the ball, but permits full view of theplay of the game.

The pivotally mounted boards 21'are each generally of identicalconstruction, except for being left and right handed, and are generallyat members. In thel disclosed construction, each of the boards is shapedto occupy substantially 1/2 of the area enclosed bythe -ring 31. Thus,the boards are of semi-circular shape. However, if the support means 23were other than of circular shape, the shape of theboards could becorrespondingly changed. Moreover, each of the boards need not occupysubstantially 1/2 of the available area'within the ring. For instance,if desired, the ring 31 could be provided with a llat, level areaintermediate the boards 21.

The rigidity of each of the boards 21 is reinforced by the provision ofa downwardly projecting flange 43jextending along the straight edge ofeach of the boards. Further rigidity is obtained, in each of the boards21, by the use of a pair of generally parallel ribs 45 which projectoutwardly from the straight side of the associated flange 43 inperpendicular relation to the straight sides jof the boards, and by apair of extensions or legs 47 which project transversely toward eachother from the associated parallel ribs 45 inwardly of the receptacle27.

`In addition, the flanges 43 and the transverse legs 47 cooperate withother componentsY of the construction to facilitate functioning of thegame.

-ln this last regard, various arrangements canbe employed to support theboards 21 for independent and .selective pivotal movement about-a commonaxis and about separate axes extending transversely of the common axis.In the disclosed construction, a pin or stud .49 extends in axialalignment from both sides of the diametric rib 35, at the longitudinalcenter thereof, and

projects through somewhat larger apertures 51 in the adjacent portionsof the anges 43. The boards 21 are retained in pivotally mountedrelation on the ends of the pin-49 by suitable Vmeans which, in thedisclosed construction, is a spring clip 50 engaging the pin I49outwardly of the flanges 43.

f ally of hollow rectangular formation and extends through a matingaperture in the top of the associated control box 39 to permit verticalmovement thereof relative to the associated control box. The lower partof the inner l wall of each ofthe control keys 53 is apertured forreceipt of the outer end of a control bar 55. i

More specifically, each of the control bars 55,1 as seen best in `FIGURE2, is an elongated element which f projects through a vertical slot 57in the ring'314 and rests with its lower edge bearing upon the inwardly,di rectedv ange 33. Extending in axial alignment from M,each of thesides of each control bar is a pivot pin 59, each of which is normallyengaged with the outer surciated control lever.

` diametric rib 35, thereby engaging the pivot pin 59 g against the ring31 and establishing the normal control bar disposition. In this normalposition, the associated one of the keys 53 is elevated with respect tothe top of the associated control box 39 and the upper edge of 'eachcontrol bar 55 is engaged with the adjacent'one yof the transverse legs47 to thereby support the boards 21 in a generally downwardly andoutwardly inclined relation to each other. Accordingly, when one of thekeys 53 in one of the control boxes 39 is depressed, the associatedcontrol bar 55 is rocked to thereby elevate its inner end, causingpivotal movement of the associated board 21 in one direction about thecommon axis which extends in axial alignment with the pivot pin 49. Ofcourse, when the key 53 is released, the associated spring 61 willreturn the control bar 55 to its normal disposition, thereby lpermittingreturn movement of the associated board to its normal horizontalposition.

If the other of the keys 53 is depressed, the assocated board 21 isrocked in the opposite direction about the common axis extending inaxial alignment with the pivot pin 49. If both keys 53 are depressedsimultaneously, the associated board 21 is pivoted upwardly, toward theopposite board, about an axis which is disposed perpendicularly to thepivot pin 49 and which is located adjacent to the diametric rib 35.

Accordingly, by selectively depressing the keys 53, the associatedboards 21 can be manipulated so as to oppose the sinking of the ball 25in the receptacle 27 in the adjacent one of the boards 21, and so as todirect the ball toward the receptacle 27 in the opposing one of theboards 21.

Travel of the ball 25 relative to the lboards 21 is also inuenced by aseries of obstacles or Ibatiies associated with the boards. Morespecifically, each of the boards 21 includes a pair of spaced, uprightbafes 65 located in generally converging relation to each other so as todirect the travel of the ballr25 toward the associated receptacle 27.Also located on each of the boards 21 are a pair of arcuate barriers 67which act to deflect Vthe ball 25 in various directions depending uponthe disposition of the boards. Disposed above each of the receptacles 27is a goal post 69 which is also adapted to deflect the ball 25 undercertain circumstances. However, the cross bar 71 of each of the goalposts 69 is positioned high enough so as not to normally interfere withdropping of the ball 25 into the associated receptacle 27. Y

Each of the receptacles 27 islocated centrally of the associated one ofthe boards 21 and constitutes an opening 73 in the associated board,together with an upwardly projecting partial lip 75 along the rearofthefope'nng `two outermost legs.

Preferably, the convergent disposition of therlegs 79, together with thering segment 81, Will retain the ball 25 in the pocketstructure 77.However, an auxiliary support member can also be utilized in eachof thereceptacles 27, `which support member also functions as a part of ameansV or arrangement 83 for ejecting or projectingtheball 25 from theassociated receptacle 27.

Each of the ball ejecting means 83 constitutes a lever `85 pivotallymounted intermediate its ends for movement of one end into Itheassociated pocket structure 77 so asto eject the ball 25 therefrom. Morespecifically,

each of the levers 85 is pivotally mountedrelativeto the ring 3-1 byreason of the projection of a radially outwardly directed arm 87 throughan associated aperture 89 in the ring immediately above the inwardlyextending flange 33. Inaddition, each of the levers 85 includes aA pivotpin 91 which extends in axial alignment from each of 'the'sides'thereofand bears against the inner surface of CFI the ring 31 and theupper surface of the ange 33. Each of the pivot pins 91 is retained inplace and the associated one of the levers is disposed in its normalposition by a spring 93. Each of the springs 93 extends through a slot95 in the ring 31 beneath the flange 33 and connects a hook 97 on theassociated lever 85 to a cross member 99 in the adjacent control box 39.

The forward end of each of the levers 85 is partially disposed in aradial slot 101 in the flange 33 and includes, at its outer end, a spoonshaped part 103 which, as previously pointed out, is capable of servingthe double function of supporting an objcct in the associated pocketstructure 77 when the associated lever 85 is in its normal position andof ejecting the object from the associated receptacle 27 when theassociated lever 85 is suitably pivoted.

Each of the levers 85 can be pivoted from its normal position so as topivotally elevate the spoon part 103 by a button 105 supported in theadjacent one of the control boxes 39. More specically, each of thebuttons 105 is a generally cylindrical member which projects through amating aperture 107 in the upper wall of the associated control box 39and which includes an enlarged head 109 at its lower end to prevent lossthereof from the associated control box. Each button 105 is verticallysupported by engagement of its head 109 with the upper edge of theassociated radially outwardly projecting arm 87. When either one of thebuttons 105 is depressed, the associated lever 85 is pivoted to expelthe ball 27, or other object, from the associated receptacle 27.

Disposed outwardly of the ring 31, above each 0f the control boxes 39 isa counter for keeping score, which counter comprises a wire support 111and a series of beads 113 Awhich are movable along the wire support 111so as to keep track of the number of goals made by each player.

As already indicated, the game is played by a pair of opposingcontestants, each of which manipulates the keys 53 in one of theopposing control boxes 39 so as `to pivot the associated one of theboards 21 in an attempt to sink the ball 27 in the receptacle 29 in theopposing one of the boards 21.

As already explained, the boards 21 are mounted so as to permit,incident to manipulation of the'keys 53, pivotal movement about a commonaxis extending in alignment with the pivot pin 49 or pivotal movement ofeither of the boards 21 about respective axes extending perpendicularlyof the common axis. When one of the contestants is successful in sinkingthe ball 27 in the opposing receptacle 27, the associated `button 105can lbe depressed to eject the ball, again making the ball 27 availablefor further play. A score can be kept by means of the beads 113 mountedalong the outer periphery of the ring 31.

Various of the features of the invention are set forth in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:

l. A toy comprising support means, a pair of members disposed inopposing relation to each other, means pivotally connecting said membersto said support means for pivotal movement of both of said members abouta common axis and for pivotal movement of each of said members aboutseparate parallel axes extending perpendicularly of said common axis,separate means on said support means for selectively pivoting each ofsaid members about either said common axis or the associated one of saidaxes extending perpendicularly of said com mon axis, each of said memberpivoting means including ,a first lever pivotally mounted intermediateits ends on said support means for engagement of one end thereof withthe underside of the associated one of said mem- -bers about either saidcommon axis or the associated side of said common axis and in spacedrelation to and on one side of the associated one of said axes extendingperpendicularly to said common axis, a frstelement carried by saidsupport means for engagement with the other end of said first lever tocause pivotal movement thereof and of the associated one of said membersin one direction about said common axis, a second lever pivotallymounted intermediate its ends on said support means for engagement ofone end thereof with the underside of the associated one of said membersat a point located in spaced relation to said common axis on ythe sidethereof opposite from said one side and in spaced relation to and onsaid one side of the associated one of said axes extendingperpendicularly to said common axis, and a second element carried bysaid support means for engagement -with the other end of said secondlever -to cause pivotal movement thereof and of the associated one ofsaid members in the direction opposite to said one direction about saidcommon axis, whereby said members can be pivoted about said axesperpendicular to said common axis incident to common pivotal move mentof the associated rst and second levers.

2. A toy comprising support means, a pair of members disposed inopposing relation to each other, each of said members having a ballreceiving receptacle therein, separate means on said support means fordischarging a ball from each of said receptacles, each of said balldischarging means including an arm pivotally mounted intermediate itsends on said support means, said arm having one end enterable into theassociated one of said receptacles incident to pivotal movement thereof,a button carried by said support means and engageable with the other endof said arm to effect ball discharging pivotal movement of said arm,means pivotally connecting said members to said support means forpivotal movement of both of said members about a common axis and forpivotal movement of each of said members about separate parallel axesextending perpendicularly of said common axis, and separate meanscarried by said support means for independently pivoting each of saidmembers selectively about either of said common axis and said axesextending perpendicularly of said common axis, thereby permittingselective manipulation of said members in an attempt to sink a ball insaid receptacle in the opposite member.

3. A toy comprising support means defining a ring having a diametric ribthereacross, a pair of semi-circular members pivotally connected at thecenter of their straight sides to said rib adjacent the center thereoffor pivotal movement of both members about a common axis extendingperpendicular to said rib and for pivotal movement of each of saidmembers about separate axes extending parallel to said rib, a ball, atransparent dome mounted on said ring for confining said ball withinsaid ring and between -said members and said dome, a receptacle in eachof said members for receiving said ball, separate means on said supportmeans for discharging said ball from each of said receptacles, each ofsaid ball discharging means including an arm pivotally mountedintermediate its ends on said support' means, said arm having one endenterable into the -associated one of said receptacles incident topivotal movement thereof, means carried -by said support means andengageable with the other end of said arm for effecting ball dischargingpivotal movement of said arm, separate means on said support means forselectively pivoting each of said members about either said common axisor said axes extending parallel to said rib, each of saidmember-pivoting means including a first lever pivotally mountedintermediate its ends on said support means for engagement of one endthereof with the underside of the associated one of said members at apoint located in spaced relation to and on one side of said common axisand in spaced relation to and on one side of the associated one of saidaxes extending parallel to said rib, a first element carried by saidsupport means for engagement with the other end of said first lever tocause pivotal movement thereof and of the associate-d one of saidmembers in one direction about said common axis, a second leverpivotally mounted intermediate its ends on said support means forengagement of one end thereof with the underside of the associated oneof said members at a point located in spaced relation to said commonaxis on the side thereof opposite from said one side and in spacedrelation to and on said one side of the associated one of said axesextending parallel to said rib, and a second element carried by saidsupport means for engagement with the other end of said second lever tocause pivotal movement thereof and of the associated member in thedirection opposite to said one direction about said common axis, wherebysaid members can be pivoted about said axes parallel to said ribincident to common pivotal movement of the associated iirst and secondlevers.

4. A toy comprising support means, a pair of members disposed on saidsupport means in closely spaced, opposing relation to each other, eachof said members having a ball-receiving means therein, means pivotallyconnecting each of said members to said support means fortiltingmovement relative thereto, a pair of separate means carried bysaid support and associated respectively with each of said members, eachof said separate means being engageable with the associated one of saidmembers to provide tilting thereof about a pair of axes extendinggenerally horizontally and disposed perpendicular to one another,whereby-said member may be manipulated toward and away from the opposingmember as Well as from side to side, the adjoining edges of said membersbeing normally essentially coplanar to permit movement of the ball fromone member to the other, and means carried by said support for movementrelative to said ball- Y receiving means to eject a ball depositedtherein.

5. A vtop comprising support means, a pairgof members disposed on saidsupport means in closely spaced, opposing relation to each other, eachof said members having a plurality of ball-receiving means therein,means pivotally connecting each of said members to said support meansfor tilting movement relative thereto, a pair of separate means carriedby said support and associated respectively with each of said members,each of said separate means Y a ball deposited therein.

References Cited in the le of this patent FOREIGN PATENTS 907,022 FranceJune 4, 1945 Patent No 3,061,312 October 30, 1962 Marvin IA Glass et aloIt is hereby certified that err ent requiring correction and that thcorrected below.

, strike out about either said ssociated" and insert instead (SEAL)Attest:

ESTON G. JOHNSON DAVID L. LADD A ttesting Officer l Commissioner ofPatents

